I engineer a set of genes that each encode a protein with a pair of conflicting signal sequences that specify different compartments. If the genes are expressed in a cell, which signal would win for the following combinations? Why?

a. signals for import into the mitochondria and retention in the ER.
b. signals for import into the mitochondria and signal for import into the lysosome

Question

I engineer a set of genes that each encode a protein with a pair of conflicting signal sequences that specify different compartments. If the genes are expressed in a cell, which signal would win for the following combinations? Why?

a. signals for import into the mitochondria and retention in the ER.
b. signals for import into the mitochondria and signal for import into the lysosome

anonymous · Answer

I think , and I'm not sure:
"retention in the ER" and "import into the lysosome" are only possible if the polypeptide has a signal sequence to lead it to the ER beforehand. because having such a sequence is not mentioned, the ribosome translating mRNA will remain in cytosol and the polypeptide will be imported to the miochondria after production, in both cases.

anonymous · Answer

*mitochondria*